Claiming the Cowgirl is a sweet Christmastime Novella

 

Author Jody Hedlund wraps up her Colorado Cowgirl series with her novella Claiming the Cowgirl part of the Christmas Bells and Wedding Vows: A Marriage of Convenience Anthology

Readers meet Serena Taylor towards in the end of Captivated by the Cowgirl when she’s hired to help Felicity run the Courtney Boardinghouse. She is a widow with a young son and she’s on the run from her former father-in-law who is determined to prove she’s an unfit parent. Her solution: to marry again and give her son a father.

Eligible bachelor Weston Oakley is in no hurry to give his heart away having been burned by love before. Suggesting a marriage of convenience will benefit them both. Serena will gain a father for her son, and he gets his meddlesome family off his back who were convinced he’d never find someone to marry. It’s a win-win. However, both Serena and Weston get more than they bargained for.

Ms. Hedlund crafted such a sweet and heart-melting romance in Claiming the Cowgirl. You find yourself rooting for both Weston and Serena. I admired Serena's selfless attitude when Weston told her she could buy whatever she wanted she thought of others before herself. In turn, I like that Weston sees and appreciates this quality in Serena. 

Both Weston and Serena model generosity and putting others needs about theirs. These qualities had you rooting for them as a couple. I liked that Serena doesn't see Weston's wealth as she can have anything she wants. Instead she's thinking about how to bless the people in his employ. This quality made her someone to admire.  

At the risk of sounding cliché the romance is what kept me in the story. Neither Weston or Serena had truly experienced love and you find yourself rooting for this kind-hearted couple to realize they are in love with each other. 

Claiming the Cowgirl delights readers with this tender romance and perfectly wraps up Ms. Hedlund's Colorado Cowgirls series with a bow. 

~~Christmas Bells and Wedding Vows was provided to me by the author herself and the publisher in return for my honest review. I received a complimentary copy of the book.  I was not required to write a positive review. All viewpoints expressed are my own. ~

To Spark a Match is a Fiery and Fun Read

Once again historical author Jen Turano brings her hallmark humor and sarcasm to the Gilded Age in her gorgeous new book To Spark a Match. (This might be my favorite book cover by this author only because of Adelaide's exquisite emerald green dress.)  

Miss Adelaide Duveen has spent five unsuccessful seasons on the marriage market and has resigned herself to the belief that she’s destined to remain a spinster…forever. Not one to remain down at this dismal eventuality, she consoles herself at least she’ll be able to devote more time to her hobbies: books and her menagerie of cats. 

When Adelaide unintentionally interrupts former undercover agent Gidden Abbott involved in covert activity at a dinner party, she is drawn into Gideon’s world of danger and intrigue closely resembling the spy novels she reads.

Her well-timed diversion to save Gideon’s investigation causes society to threaten to banish her. Guilt-ridden Gideon enlists the help of a friend to re-frame how the elite view Adelaide. It was a sort of My Fair Lady meets the Gilded Age. Refining her and not changing her so much that she was unrecognizable, but polishing her manners, clothing, and the way she presents herself. Capitalizing on her hobbies (reading and collecting cats) to make her appear to be fascinating to the upper class.

Through this process of change, Adelaide has many wardrobe mishaps that had me laughing out loud and in my opinion were some of the funniest parts of the book. Her wardrobe blunders made her a more relatable heroine and it makes you fall in love with her character even more! 

From the moment Adelaide and Gideon meet their chemistry and teasing exchange leap off the page leaving you wanting more and wondering when the next Gideon/Adelaide verbal sparring match will be. I like that their relationship started off as friendship and naturally progressed to romance. 

Will the spark of love ignite between Gideon and Adelaide before it’s too late or be quenched by danger?

At the risk of sounding cliché or like a broken record, what draws me into Ms. Turano’s books is her sharp banter not only between the hero and heroine, but all the characters.  The world she creates with her clever use of quick-witted, engaging dialogue makes you want to dive in headfirst and inhabit her world hoping some of their wit will rub off on you.

To Spark a Match is like A Match in the Making with the humor that readers have come to expect from Ms. Turano, but what sets it apart is the mystery element. This aspect to the story added seriousness and substance which I think it needed.

Grab a cozy blanket, your favorite drink and treat yourself to the perfect riotous fall read with To Spark a Match. 

~~To Spark a Match was provided to me by the author herself and the publisher in return for my honest review. I received a complimentary copy of the book.  I was not required to write a positive review. All viewpoints expressed are my own. ~

My True Love Gave to Me: A Delightful Christmastime Short Story

 

It's always a joy and a treat to help promote one of my all-time favorite authors! If you've read my blog for some time, you are likely familiar with my unbiased admiration for this wonderful writer. Christy award winning author Karen Witemeyer gifts her readers with a delightful short story set in Bethlehem, Texas. 

My True Love Gave to Me is released just in time for the holiday season is a slice of bliss. The story begins as the air turns crisp and the holiday lights glitter. Once again demonstrating her mastery of her craft, Karen Witemeyer has given us a festive treat that will overflow with love and optimism.

The well-known "12 Days of Christmas" carol is given a unique spin by Karen Witemeyer in  My True Love Gave to Me, as only she can. The story centers around Simeon Shephard and Anna King who are genuinely in love and have been courting for two years. Anna's father David refuses to grant his blessing of marriage to the couple. When a wealthy rival suitor enters the picture seeming to garner David King's respect and approval Simeon realizes time is running out. He only has 12 days to prove to her father he can provide for Anna and ultimately be the best man for his daughter.

In an attempt to win Anna's heart, Simeon enlists the help of his family and the people of Bethlehem through warmth, comedy, and a hint of festive enchantment. The outcome is a tale that is both delightful and unforgettable, making it the ideal treat to enjoy during this happy holiday season.  

Will he succeed in this race against the clock? You'll find yourself fervently rooting for Simeon's triumph in this heartwarming tale of love and determination.

Allow My True Love Gave to Me to take you to the heart of Bethlehem, Texas, where love, faith, and perseverance come together to produce a story that will stick with you long after the Christmas season has passed. Cheers to the holidays and good reading!

~~My True Love Gave to Me was provided to me by the author herself and the publisher in return for my honest review. I received a complimentary copy of the book.  I was not required to write a positive review. All viewpoints expressed are my own. ~

He Should Have Told the Bees: One of my favorite stories of 2023...So Far

After reading author Amanda Cox's stellar debut novel The Edge of Reason last summer, I was ecstatic and excited to have the opportunity to read and review her latest book, He Should Have Told the Bees.

The beautiful cover combined with the unique title instantly pulled me in and did not disappoint.

Beckett "Beck" Walsh's world is shattered with with the untimely passing of her father beekeeper, George Walsh, and owner of Walsh Farms. Through the reading of his will, she discovers her father made her a co-owner with Callie Peterson. Who is this person? How is she connected to her father?  With this news, her solace and safety net of Walsh Farms changes. 

Callie Peterson has no idea who George Walsh is or why she was named in his will. She dreams of opening a storefront for her soap, candle and bath business. She initially sees being co-owner of Walsh Farms as the answer to all her financial problems until she meets Beckett. 

For Beckett, living and working on the farm is an oasis and as natural as breathing. When it comes to chores and bee keeping she is skilled and competent. However, there might be more reasons than meet the eye for why this is. 

Having an acholic mother has taught Callie Peterson not to dependent on others. As an adult she has tried to maintain a boundary with her mother. Callie soon realizes her mother holds the key to unlocking part of the mystery of her connection to George Walsh. Will she discover what this is before it's too late?  

Together Beckett and Callie find themselves uncovering the maze of family secrets. I think the author dealt with this in a realistic way. It's not easy having the only live you've ever know be ripped out from you and adding the extra layer of uncertainty and mystery made He Should Have Told the Bees one of the most compelling reads of 2023...so far. 

I'd classify this author's books as women's fiction and the way Ms. Cox writes...she hooks you with complex believable characters, a compelling plot and raw emotion. Every books I've read by this author I've cried. If you're ok with breaking out the Kleenex when you read this book you need to add it to your TBR pile. 

Slight spoiler alert!! Stop reading if you don't like to know spoilers before reading: 

I liked that  Ms. Cox hints at romances for both Beckett and Callie proving that even broken people can find love. Found myself rooting equally for both romances. I realize the main story is between Beck and Callie, but I would have liked a little more romance.

If you love beautifully crafted stories of courage, compassion, and connection then He Should Have Told the Bees is not to be missed. 

~~He Should Have Told the Bees was provided to me by the author herself and the publisher in return for my honest review. I received a complimentary copy of the book.  I was not required to write a positive review. All viewpoints expressed are my own. ~

A Royal Christmas is a Sweet Christmastime Romance

 

 

Now that September is here and we are experiencing some cooler temps in the Midwest, I'm looking forward to holiday reads. Bookworm confession...I fell in love with Melody Carlson's A Royal Christmas before I even read the synopsis. 

Adelaide Smith is working hard putting herself through law school with the end in sight and has little time for fanciful daydreams.

Having lost her mother in a car accident a few years earlier, she's shocked to get a letter in the mail through the DNA registry and informs her that she's the daughter of King Maxamillian V of Montovia, a small Eastern European principality. Skeptical that the letter is even real she researches it and discovers it's authentic. 

It begs the question....what would you do if you found out you were the daughter of a King and heir to the throne?

Curiosity gets the better of her and she decides to travel to Montovia at the invitation of the King for the Christmas festivities. 

The way Ms. Carlson describes the country of Montovia, its people, quaint villages, and dreamy fairytale-inspired castle made me want to dive headfirst into this story. Seemed like it was a country from another era combining beloved traditions with technology.  

Some readers aren't fans of novellas because the feel like they don't get an in-depth story. I found with A Royal Christmas the plot was a little more rushed, but I didn't feel like the story wasn't complete. 

I liked how the whole experience didn't change Adelaide. She stayed true to her character. Just one example, when it came to her wardrobe, she was conscientious to still dress modestly. Adelaide dressed like a royal to be respectful to her father the King, but was careful to maintain her classic timeless style.

The theme of God's plan and God's timing resonated with me and just reminded me that God's plan and His Timing are always perfect. The author did a good job of weaving the gospel into this story and not making it just an after thought.

If you're looking for a sweet romantic Hallmark-inspired Christmas novella with a dash of mystery and intrigue, you need to add A Royal Christmas to your TBR pile.

 ~~A Royal Christmas was provided to me by the author herself and the publisher in return for my honest review. I received a complimentary copy of the book.  I was not required to write a positive review. All viewpoints expressed are my own. ~

Letters from My Sister...Not My Cup of Tea

 

Valerie Fraser Luesse is a new-to-me author. Her stories are set in the deep South and this genre of books isn’t what I typically gravitate towards as a reader. However, I was pulled in by the gorgeous cover. 

This tale is set at the turn of the century and centers around sisters Emmy and Callie Bullock whose father is a wealthy Alabama cotton farmer.

Callie was an interesting heroine. She preferred riding horses and climbing trees barefoot to attending social functions such as balls or garden parties. I really enjoyed her genuine love for her older sister Emmy and how she always praised her sister to others, but not in a way that seems disingenuous, but truthful. A key takeaway from this story for me was that our relationships with our family or siblings could greatly improve if we emphasize and appreciate their positive qualities and character traits rather than dwelling on their shortcomings or negatives.

Interestingly, my favorite part of the book was not the romance (which was sweet) in the book, but the tight-knit bond between Callie and Emmy, and that family really is for forever.  I also liked the connection between the whole Bullock family (Parents and Children). It was a family you wanted to be a part of.  The dynamics of the Bullock family reminded me of the Smith family in Meet Me in St. Louis although I don’t think this is what the author intended. It’s just where my reader brain took me.

I enjoyed the sense of community Ms. Luesse created in Letters from My Sister. How they looked out for one another. Which I personaly think is sorely lacking in our day, but maybe that's just my current experince. 

For me, I found the slower pace of the book made it harder to get into the story and relate to the characters. Along with this, despite it being promoted as a Christan fiction read,  I didn’t feel there was an overly spiritual/gospel thread throughout. Maybe I missed the point, but all that would be considered "Christian" to me was the family going to church and occasionally mentioning God. If you followed me for a while, I do not like when books are promoted as Christian fiction, but God is just a mention, not a part of the story. 

Usually, I know exactly what thoughts and emotions I’m feeling when finishing a book, but with Letters from My Sister I didn’t know what I was supposed to be feeling. Dramitic statment, I know.  However, to say more, would ruin the ending if you did read this book. So with that said, as you can tell from this blog, the book was mixed bag for me. I enjoyed some of it, and really didn't like the other half of it. So between it all, I am not sure I would technially recommend that you run out and get this book to read as it doesn't leave you feeling glad you spent the time reading it. At least for me, anyway. 

~~Letters from My Sister was provided to me by the author herself and the publisher in return for my honest review. I received a complimentary copy of the book.  I was not required to write a positive review. All viewpoints expressed are my own. ~

Convincing the Cowgirl & Captivating the Cowgirl Are Sweet Historical Romances

Jody Hedlund is one of those rare, multilayered authors who can captivatingly and convincingly (pun totally intended) write any genre: YA, Medieval, Historical, and Contemporary. 

   

Today, we're diving into the heartwarming and humorous world of Jody Hedlund's Colorado Cowgirls series, specifically Book 3, Convincing the Cowgirl. If you've been reading my blog for any length of time, you know marriage of convenience tropes are my favorite romance genre. 

Our story begins with Patience Courtney, the middle sister in the Courtney family, facing a dire predicament. She's penniless and homeless, and just when things seem their bleakest, unexpected visitors lay claim to the Courtney Boardinghouse, the only place she's called home. But fear not, because Patience is aptly named. She's determined to weather this storm and find her way out of this hardship.

Enter Spencer Wolcott, a wealthy rancher and a widowed father. He offers a solution that could solve all of Patience's problems: a marriage of convenience. It's a win-win situation – she gets a roof over her head, and his daughter gains a loving mother. However, as with any great romance, miscommunication and assumptions lead to some humorous situations between Patience and Spencer. Hedlund expertly crafts these moments of tension, making them both endearing and entertaining.

Unlike her sisters, Patience Courtney has always preferred art projects to domestic ones. I liked how Patience was patient like her name and how she bonded with Spencer's daughter through her love of art, her imagination and patience. 

Convincing the Cowgirl picks up where Captivating the Cowgirl leaves off.  The Courtney Boardinghouse has been rightfully restored to the family and Felicity Courtney; the youngest sister has been single-handedly running it. While caring for sick tenants, she passes out from sheer exhaustion and reluctantly agrees she needs to find a hired hand to help.  

Newcomer Philip Berg both intrigues and irritates her. Little does she know he's hiding a secret. 

Felicity sees Philip as somewhat entitled and arrogant and above menial labor; he proves her wrong.

I love quick-witted and lively banter between the heroine and hero and Ms. Hedlund does not disappoint in Capturing the Cowgirl. The verbal sparring between Felicity and Philip for me is the best part of the story.  You couldn't wait to see what words of wit were going to be exchanged between them. The author seemed like she was having a lot of fun writing Captivating the Cowgirl. 

Ms. Hedlund's Colorado Cowgirls series is a delightful blend of sweet romance with light inspirational themes, where love takes center stage. If you're a fan of this style of writing and haven't already dived into these books, it's high time you did. The Cowgirl series is a heartwarming journey that will leave you with a smile on your face and a warm feeling in your heart. So, what are you waiting for? Grab these books and get ready for a dose of romance, humor, and a whole lot of heart. 

Reading is an adventure,

Emilee 

~~Convincing the Cowgirl and Captivating the Cowgirl  were provided to me by the author herself and the publisher in return for my honest review. I received a complimentary copy of the book.  I was not required to write a positive review. All viewpoints expressed are my own. ~